Chapter #1 Synopsis:

While this first chapter has served its purpose of establishing health as an important theme, it is not a typical opening Austen chapter. Firstly, the chapter opens with travelers far from their home rather than a description of a family and their village estate. Secondly, the chapter opens with injury. Thirdly, Austen novels all involve a marriage plot and marriage is brought up immediately. However, in this opening chapter it is not clear which young eligible lady is the main character who will eventually find love. This chapter feels like a first draft, likely because it is.

https://austenprose.com/sanditon-plot-summary-by-chapter/sanditon-plot-summary-chapters-1-4/